How do you go about getting special parts to design something

[eflat]

So I need parts, like say the cover of the device which would need to be stainless steel and sculpted in a unique way..

If you know how to do it cheap in China that would be cool too...

I want a demo, and then maybe 100. And if it ever catches on, who knows how many.

 

[Colt45]

get engineer to draw it in cad, then cnc mill or something.

for cheap mass stuff, you'll get someone to make dies for a stamp.... not practical for low volume though.

 

[AbsolutDealage]

I would look up local machine shops. You should be able to find someone to mock up a prototype for you.

 

[Jeff7]

Text

 

[FleshLight]

cad -> cam

 

[AgaBoogaBoo]

I've been handling a lot of this the past few weeks and while it was more of finding electronic parts, enclosures, etc., I'd start by finding someone local who is knowledgeable and work with them. Ideally, you'd find a part you can buy from someone else, and so maybe design it around things already available, otherwise the costs to have molds made will be very high.

Also, as someone in a similar boat, be sure to take care of the legal side of things the proper way. Get your concepts notarized on a regular basis with pictures, descriptions, etc. Getting that date can be very important.

Last point, "if it ever catches on" is not a good (IMO) way to take this. If you want to create new products & technology, that's fine, but I think you need to do one of two things:
1. Wear the entrepreneur hat
2. Find someone to wear the hat

You either need to network to find people to work with, or look to your friends. You can trust your friends, and so that is very valuable.

There are a couple books you should read, and so before I type more, if you're interested, send me a message and I'll recommend them.

Edit: Make sure to work on these things on your own time and with your own resources. If you're a student, do this all off of campus, or if you work somewhere, don't do anything related to it at work. Keep things as simple and straight forward as possible.